FARM TO TABLE
Taiwanese Cuisine Cooking Class
What is the “Farm to Table” Taiwanese Cooking Experience?
A new style of cooking lesson that values both food culture and a deep connection to the land.
Participants first visit a partnered organic lingzhi mushroom farm or our own home garden to learn traditional herbal and medicinal food wisdom. Afterwards, hands-on practice continues in the cooking salon, preparing Taiwanese traditional dishes, regional specialties, festival foods, and home-style medicinal cuisine.
In a warm, nature-harmonized atmosphere, guests can feel the blessings of the land while enjoying a small yet immersive experience of everyday Taiwanese life — a cooking class designed for meaningful learning.
Centered around seasonal and solar-term festival dishes, participants also observe real cultivation environments of seasonal crops. Through the foods born from this land, they learn Taiwanese food culture while spending time in rhythm with nature.
After the meal, a tea session features a tasting of three Taiwanese teas paired with handmade sweets, introducing the depth of Taiwanese tea culture.
Through Taiwanese medicinal eating traditions, organic farming, home cooking, and tea culture, the experience offers a moment to restore both body and mind while enjoying Taiwan’s culinary heritage.
09：30 Assembly
09：40 Farm Tour - Introduction to Taiwan's unique plants and seasonal crops
10：20 Back to ShiangTsai Studio
10：30 Cooking Class Begins
12：00 Lunch
13：00 Taiwanese Tea Ceremony (Comparative tasting of three types of Taiwanese artisan tea while roasting Oolong tea)
14：00 Tea Sealing Ceremony
14：30 End of the Class
*The above times are approximate and may vary slightly depending on the circumstances. If you wish to make adjustments due to other plans, please feel free to discuss.
【Farm Visit】Harvesting Taro from Our Home Garden
【Beverage】Taiwan Muscatel Black Tea (C)
【Soup】Aged Dried Radish and Herbal Jelly Chicken Soup
【Meal】Taiwanese Taro Rice Cake
【Side Dish I】Stir-Fried Daylily Buds and Wood Ear Mushrooms
【Side Dish II】Braised Tofu with Preserved Mustard Greens
【Tea Snack】Mid-Autumn Mooncake “Danhuangsu” — Taiwanese Mooncake with Azuki Bean Paste and Salted Egg Yolk (We will make the flaky pastry dough from scratch.)
【Taiwanese Tea Ceremony After the Meal】Three Taiwanese teas—Si Ji Chun, Oriental Beauty, and Red Oolong—plus a mini tea-roasting experience (souvenir included)
※The above menu is subject to change depending on ingredient availability and farm conditions.
※Please let us know in advance if you have any food preferences or ingredients you cannot eat.
※Aprons, writing materials, handouts, and notebooks will be provided.
What is Reishi Mushroom?
Reishi mushroom typically refers to the perennial fungus of the Ganoderma genus, commonly known as Ganoderma lucidum. It is also referred to by various other names such as Lingzhi, Reishi mushroom, Ling Zhi Cao, or Red Reishi. The part of the mushroom used for various purposes is the mature, dried fruiting body. The fruiting body, being woody in texture, is not suitable for direct consumption. It is commonly cut into suitable pieces, brewed in hot water to extract the liquid for consumption, or used in medicinal liquors. Reishi mushrooms are widely used as a health food product, believed to offer a range of health benefits, including enhancing the immune system, regulating blood pressure, and potentially preventing cancer.
At a local organic farm, you will visit the reishi cultivation greenhouse and learn about the entire process—from growing and development to harvesting. Although the harvest season is in summer, in other seasons you can also learn about reishi cultivation management and various farming tasks related to its growth through hands-on experiences.
Location: 竹林松杉靈芝農場
Organic Certification Number: 1-007-110019
・Introduction to Taiwan’s organic certification mark, as well as the growth and cultivation of reishi
・Includes a souvenir: a reishi herbal medicinal pack
From Taipei Main Station
From Taipei Main Station
There are two ways to get from Taipei Station to ShiangTsai: You can either take a bus or use the Taiwan Railway train.
1. By Bus [Estimated time 75 minutes / Total NT$140].
2. By Train [Approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes / Total NT$199].
捷運市政府站/市政府轉運站
From MRT Taipei City Hall Station
From MRT Taipei City Hall Station(Taipei City Hall Bus Station) to ShiangTsai, there are two ways to get there:
You can take a bus that stops at Jiaoxi Transfer Station(礁溪轉運站), or you can take a bus that stops at Zhuangwei Bus Stop(壯圍站).
1. Via Jiaoxi Transfer Station [Travel time: 40 minutes / Total fare: NT$96]
2. Via Zhuangwei Bus Stop [Travel time: 45 minutes / Total fare: NT$131]
從壯圍巴士站的路線
Walking from Zhuangwei Bus Stop
①Get off at the bus stop and cross to the other side of the main road.
②Head north along the main road (turn left after crossing).
③Pass by a large seafood wholesaler called '鮮樂水產,' then, after crossing the next main road, turn into the following narrow street.
④The residence at the far end on the right, facing a rice field in the front.
NEAR BY ATTRACTIONS
For those who want to be healed by Taiwan's nature, here are some recommended nearby spots.
Paoma Historical Trail
跑馬古道
An old path linking Taipei and Yilan, now a popular weekend trek. It's rich with unique Taiwanese plants, especially ferns, and you might see some native Formosan macaques along the way. ▶︎Google Map
Jiaosi Hot Spring Forest Baths
森林風呂
Natural carbonic hot springs in Jiaoxi's hot spring district. It's rare in Taiwan, similar to Japan, where you bathe outdoors naked. There's also a popular free foot bath outside.
▶︎Google Map
Wufengqi Waterfall
五峰旗瀑布
A famous waterfall located at the entrance of a popular hiking trail called Shengmu Mountain Villa. In summer, many young people are seen playing in the water. ▶︎Google Map
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Can beginners participate? Yes, of course you can participate. The content is based on home cooking, so even those with no cooking experience can enjoy it with confidence. The instructor will explain everything carefully, step by step.
Q2. Can I participate alone? Yes, you can. If you wish to participate alone, we will generally suggest a Saturday or Sunday session. If you would like to request a different date or time, please feel free to contact us via LINE. Add us as a LINE friend: https://line.me/R/ti/p/@467rvevm
Q3. Can I participate in Japanese? Yes. Lessons are available in Japanese, Chinese, and English. Many of our participants are from overseas.
Q4. What if I have food allergies or dislikes? If you let us know in advance, we will make adjustments to the extent possible. However, since the menu is themed around traditional Taiwanese cuisine and medicinal dishes, some changes may be difficult.
Q5. I am a vegetarian. Can I participate? We can accommodate vegetarian dietary needs. Please let us know if you are a vegetarian when you register or contact us in advance. *If you have specific requests regarding ingredients, eggs, dairy products, etc., please let us know in advance.
Q6. What should I wear? We recommend wearing comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting a little dirty. Since the tour includes a farm visit, comfortable walking shoes such as sneakers are recommended. Please refrain from wearing heels. Aprons will be provided.
Q7. Do I need to bring anything? Basically, you can participate empty-handed. We will provide all necessary items such as writing utensils, recipe materials, and aprons.
Q8. Can I participate as a day trip from Taipei? Yes, it is possible. Yilan is accessible by express bus in about 40-75 minutes, and many people participate as day trips.
Q9. 駅まで送迎はありますか？ はい。 台鉄・礁溪駅まで無料送迎を行っております。ご希望の方は予約時にお知らせください。
Q10. Can children participate? Can children participate? Children aged 13 and older can participate. Please understand that we use fragile teaware, knives, and fire, so we ask for your understanding regarding safety.
Q11. What kind of experience can I expect at the tea ceremony? After the meal, you will enjoy a tasting of three types of Taiwanese tea and participate in a simple tea roasting experience. You can take home the roasted tea leaves in a ceramic jar as a souvenir. During the tea ceremony, we will provide a detailed explanation of Taiwanese tea culture and Taiwanese Oolong tea. This is a special lesson that utilizes the perspective of a culinary researcher and Taiwanese tea researcher.
Q12. How many people are in your cooking class? We hold small classes with a maximum of 4 people. You can enjoy a relaxed and comfortable experience in a calm atmosphere.
Q13. Can I take the recipe home? Yes. We provide you with recipe materials for the dishes we made on the day, so you can recreate them at home.
Q14. Can I take photos? Yes, you can. You are free to take photos of the food, the atmosphere, and the experience. Posting on social media is also welcome. However, please refrain from posting photos or videos that include the faces of other participants unless you have their permission.
Q15. Does the menu change with the seasons? Yes. The menu and themes change to match Taiwanese events and seasonal ingredients. Basically, the menu is structured according to the seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. We also hold special events with limited-time themes from time to time.
Q16. I've participated before, but can I still enjoy it if I participate again? Yes. The content changes seasonally, so repeat participants can also enjoy it.
Q17. Can I purchase Taiwanese tea and ingredients? Yes. You can purchase the Taiwanese tea and Reishi mushroom products used on the day.
Q18. Are the cooking classes held indoors? Generally, they are held indoors. Some programs may include outdoor experiences such as farm tours.
Q19. 台湾旅行が初めてでも参加しやすいですか？ はい。 初めての台湾旅行の方でも安心してご参加いただけるようサポートしております。
Q20. Please explain the reservation process. After you submit the reservation form, we will check the availability and send you a reservation deposit payment notice (invoice). Upon completion of the reservation deposit payment, your reservation will be changed from a provisional reservation to a confirmed reservation, and we will then provide you with details for the day. If multiple applications are received for the same date, reservations will be confirmed in the order of deposit payment. We recommend making your payment as soon as you decide on a date.
Q21. How much is the reservation fee? It is NT$500 per person multiplied by the number of people.
Q22. Please tell me about your cancellation policy. • Up to 5 days prior: Full refund • 3-5 days prior: 50% refund • Within 3 days: No refund
Q23. How can I pay the remaining balance? Please pay on the day of the lesson. Cash and credit cards are accepted. We also accept contactless payments (smartphone payments) such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Book with us now!
Please fill in your details in the following booking form and you will be automatically registered.
Payment details will be sent to your e-mail after we confirm the availability on your requested date, in 1-2 workings days. Please check your e-mail and finish the payment within 24 hours. All class reservation must be completed at least 48 hours prior to the time which the class starts.
Online booking
When registering for a lesson, please fill in your personal information in the fields below. Once we have confirmed availability, we will send you a payment invoice via email. Please check your email and complete the payment within 24 hours.
Online booking process
① Please apply using the registration form below. We will send the reservation form to the email address you registered.
*If you do not receive the form, please register again.
② Please enter your desired date and time in the reservation form. We will then check availability.
③ If there is availability, we will send you an email with instructions on how to pay the reservation deposit.
④ Your reservation will be confirmed upon receipt of your deposit. *Reservations will remain provisional until payment is received.
⑤ Please make your reservation at least one week before your desired date. For reservations within one week, please inquire in advance.
Name
Your name *
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Nationality/Region
Prefectures and countries *
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Email address *
We will contact you by email, so please double-check that you enter the correct one. Please enter an email address other than ezweb.ne.jp, i.softbank.jp, or docomo.ne.jp.
***Please note: If you enter your email address incorrectly, we will not be able to contact you, so please double-check your address before sending.
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Phone Number *
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予約希望の日にちDate of Reservation*
①登録してからこちらで空きを確認し、参加日とオンライン決済の方法を案内いたします。
②1名のみご参加希望の場合は土日を選んでください。
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Number of people to register
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How You Get Here
Transportation *
Please let us know if you need a pick-up at the train station. If you are coming by train (Taiwan Railways), one of our staff members will pick you up by car at Jiaoxi Station at 9:30 AM on the day of the lesson.
Required
Remarks
P.S.
If you would like to sign up as a group, please inform the total number of the people in the group and indicate the name of other members in the remarks section.
If registering for multiple people, please enter the names of your companions in the postscript section.
Terms of Service
Terms and conditions regarding service provision *
We will send payment instructions to the email address you registered. To ensure your reservation is secured, please complete the payment within 24 hours. All lessons and tours must be booked at least 48 hours before the start date.
Cancellation policy:
Cancellations made up to 5 days before the start of the lesson will receive a full refund.
Cancellations made 3 to 5 days before the start of the lesson: 50% of the deposit will be refunded.
Cancellations made within 3 days of the lesson start date: Please note that no refunds will be given.
Disclaimer:
This lesson will use household cooking utensils, but since each participant's insurance coverage varies, please be extremely careful and follow the instructor's instructions, especially when using sharp tools such as knives. Gosai will not be held responsible for any injuries that may occur.
A payment request will be sent to your registered email address. To secure your reservation, please complete the payment within 24 hours. All classes and tours must be booked at least 48 hours in advance.
Cancellation Policy:
* Cancellations made 5 days or more before the activity will receive a full refund.
* Cancellations made 3 to 5 days before the activity will receive a 50% refund.
* No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 72 hours of the activity.
Disclaimer:
We use standard home kitchen tools during our lessons. Please be aware that participants are not covered by our insurance. Extra caution is advised, especially when using sharp tools such as knives. Please follow the instructor's guidance. ShiangTsai will not be carefully held liable for any injuries that may occur during the class.